New NW Art Trail Walk Featuring Five Additional Sculptures Debuts in Jefferson Park This Saturday

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Jefferson Park · November 17, 2025

Jefferson Park residents will have a new reason to explore their neighborhood this weekend as the expanded NW Art Trail Walk officially unveils five new sculptures along Milwaukee Avenue. The dedication ceremony, hosted by State Senator Robert Martwick and Arts Alive Chicago, will take place this Saturday, November 17, at 10 a.m. at Parkway Bank, 4858 N. Milwaukee Ave.

The two-mile sculpture walk connects the Jefferson Park and Portage Park business districts, featuring both abstract and traditional art pieces that celebrate the area's cultural heritage. Among the new installations is Schencheng Xu's colorful 'Northbound,' a painted-steel piece depicting geese during their annual migration. 'As we continue to cut funding for arts education in schools, this is one way we can expose kids to art, is by getting it out on the street,' said Cyd Smillie, Arts Alive President.

The initiative aims to increase foot traffic to local businesses while highlighting the area's rich arts scene, including the Filament Theatre, Gift Theatre, Copernicus Center, and Paschke Art Center. Trail markers will be installed on businesses along the route, making it easy for residents and visitors to follow the path and discover both art and local establishments. Community members are encouraged to attend Saturday's dedication ceremony to learn more about the sculptures and support this exciting addition to Jefferson Park's cultural landscape.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/30/sculpture-walk-connecting-jefferson-and-portage-park-to-be-unveiled-this-weekend/
2. https://chicago.suntimes.com/jefferson-park